Weekly Wednesday

5/9 - Early Release Day (preschool dismisses at 11:15; K-3 dismiss at 11:40)

5/12 - 5/16 - Scholastic Book Fair (see below for family dates and times)

5/22 - STEAM Fair for Grades 1-3

5/26 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

he Scholastic Book Fair is returning to the Bresnahan School! The Book Fair allows students and families to easily purchase new books at a reasonable price, and in turn raises funds for our school library to purchase new titles. Win-win! Participation in the book fair is completely optional.

Students in grades 1-3 have an opportunity to shop during the school day. They will visit the Book Fair with their class during their regular library time. PreK and K students do not visit the Book Fair during the school day. However, there are several after school shopping hours that all families are invited to attend if you choose. Click here for a link to the Book Fair hours and schedule.

Parent Volunteers: We will need parent volunteers to make our Book Fair successful! Classroom liaisons share a Sign Up Genius with parents in each classroom. Volunteers must have a current CORI on file but do not need to be fingerprinted.

Please visit our Book Fair website to find out more details. You can use the link to set up an e-wallet for your child if you’d like. Email Mrs. Ames if you have any questions. rames@newburyport.k12.ma.us

Before April break a group of Bresnahan teachers along with Superintendent Gallagher and Assistant Superintendent Furlong had the opportunity to have dinner and discussion with Dr. Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn, developmental psychologist and professor at Boston College. Dr. Gray has studied the impact our societal and educational structures have on child development and how that information can inform our education practices. The discussion centered around how educators can have a positive impact on students’ happiness, wellbeing and learning during their time at school. We thank Dr. Gray for his investment in our community and NYRS for sponsoring his visit through their Parent Speaker Series.

Dear Bresnahan parents and Guardians,

It is finally nice outside! That is wonderful but comes with some challenges for some. As spring is in full bloom, many students are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms, especially eye irritation. Pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers is at its peak during this time, and it can cause itchy, watery, or red eyes in children who are sensitive to these allergens.

What to Watch For:

• Red, itchy, or watery eyes
  

• Frequent eye rubbing
  

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or a runny nose
  

• Complaints of tired or irritated eyes, especially after outdoor activities
  
  

How You Can Help:

• Encourage your child to wash their hands and face after being outside.
  

• Keep windows closed at home and in the car to reduce pollen exposure.
  

• Use over-the-counter allergy medications or eye drops as recommended by your pediatrician.
  

• Send your child to school with a clean pack of tissues and remind them not to rub their eyes.
  
  

If your child experiences significant discomfort or symptoms persist, please consult your healthcare provider. Feel free to contact the school health office if you have any concerns—we’re here to help!

Sincerely,

Michelle Thivierge, RN

Valerie Natoli, RN

We are seeking parent volunteers to help the students sort their organic waste in the compost bins at lunch on Monday and Wednesday! We are hoping to find someone who can consistently volunteer on these days through the end of the school year, but if you can only do one day or certain lunches that's okay too!

K Lunch: 10:40 - 11:20

Please email kharding@newburyport.k12.ma.us to discuss further. No experience necessary but must have an active CORI and fingerprints on file.

Existing FTB PreKindergarten Families going into Kindergarten for 2025-2026, the following are the forms needed for registration (Existing Students ONLY). These items will be located on our website HERE

1. NBPT Enrollment Form

2. Parent Questionnaire for Kindergarten

3. Preschool/Daycare Visitations Form

New Enrollments should visit our website for full enrollment details.

CORI Process

• All volunteers must have an up-to-date CORI on file with the Newburyport Elementary Schools.
• Bring the completed CORI form along with your driver's license to the Administrative Assistant at our school office.
• Please note CORI's are only valid for three years; after that you must reapply.

Fingerprinting

In keeping with Newburyport's continued focus on safety, volunteers/parents are required to be fingerprinted in two instances:

1. If you are going on a day or overnight field trip and will have direct and unmonitored contact with children;
2. If you are a lunchroom volunteer and will be bringing children out to the playground. Parents who volunteer in the classroom DO NOT need to be fingerprinted, if there will always be another adult present.

Massachusetts has contracted with MorphoTrust for fingerprinting. To book an appointment, visit the Massachusetts IdentoGO Website.

Please be aware there is a $35 fee for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting does not expire.

Forms and Information

• CORI Form
• Fingerprinting Info

Come on out and support Bresnahan staff, families, and local charity Runway 4 Recovery! Staff member, Julie Clemente, and others will share their personal stories about Breast Cancer and all the wonderful ways that family, friends, our school community, and local communities provided support during difficult times. Shop, sip, and support Runway 4 Recovery at this fun local event. See you there!

Website: https://runwayforrecovery.org/event-calendar/love-for-runway-in-newburyport/

20% discount for teachers. Code: TEACHER

Love for Runway in Newburyport

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Newburyport, MA

The 1st Annual Laps for Lunches: Walkathon & Family Fair will be Saturday, May 17th at Bradley Fuller Track from 10am-2PM on behalf of Greater Newburyport Salvation Army. Walkathon teams are needed to help raise funds to help fight food insecurity. Visit our Community Bulletin Board on the district’s website for these and more community events: https://www.newburyport.k12.ma.us/domain/126

Important Dates:

All April: “Coins for a Cause” fundraiser ends TODAY Apr. 30th

May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week starts MONDAY May 5th (details below)

May 10th: Newburyport PTO Kitchen Tour & Tasting Purchase tickets

Ma 14th: PTO Monthly Meeting- 6:30 p.m. at the Poynt Restaurant

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9th

We believe our teachers and staff are superheroes and deserve to be celebrated!! Help us show our appreciation with our Superhero themed week. There are lots of ways to participate! Let’s make it an amazing week! All links are on this handout.

N PORT Hat Sale

You asked and we got them! Hats are here just in time for spring! This is a limited edition with limited quantities. Orders can go home in your child’s backpack (no pick ups!) Order yours now!! Proceeds go to the Newburyport PTO. Sale ends May 7th.

Newburyport PTO Kitchen Tour & Tasting

May 10th, 2025 10-3 p.m.

Join us for a self-guided tour of sensational kitchens showcasing craftsmanship and design at the Newburyport PTO Kitchen Tour & Tasting. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore historic and charming homes, featuring complimentary tastings from exceptional restaurants, chefs, brew masters, and bakers. You can savor the “taste” of all that Newburyport has to offer while raising funds for Newburyport public schools! ** This event is a great activity for Mother’s Day weekend!!! Learn more and purchase tickets at www.NewburyportKitchenTour.com.

If you purchase the tickets on the website in advance, you may redeem them for tour booklets beginning on April 26th. You will need to show the email confirmation to redeem for tour booklets at one of the ticket selling locations listed here.

Want to attend the Newburyport Kitchen Tour for free?

We are looking for volunteers to serve as home captains, home docents, and food runners. Morning and afternoon shifts are available and volunteers will receive a free ticket to attend before or after their shift. Sign up with a friend to make the day fly by and then take your complimentary tour together. Come indulge your curiosity while helping to support our schools! Sign up to volunteer for the Newburyport Kitchen Tour on May 10.

Coins for a Cause Fundraiser- Running all April

Gather up your loose change! Beginning April 1st, bring your change to any branch of the Institute for Savings and they will donate the coin machine fee (5% of the value of the coins) to the Newburyport PTO. Fundraiser runs for the month of April.

Do You Want to Get Involved in the PTO?

We are currently seeking to fill PTO Board positions:

• Vice President

• Molin Teacher Representative

• Communications Co-Chair (Social Media)

Email us at newburyportpto@gmail.com to join the PTO Board or ask questions.